Fun Things To Do In Colorado with Kids & Teens (2024)

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collage image of Colorado with text overlay. Colorado with Kids & Teens. Homeschool Travel Learn with www.CaptivatingCompass.com

Looking for the perfect family vacation in Colorado? You’ve come to the right place! With its majestic mountains and vibrant cities, Colorado offers plenty of fun things to do with kids and teens.

From wildlife-watching to skiing and snowboarding, enjoy the beauty of the Rockies with your family. We’ll show you some of the best things to do in Colorado with kids!

Discover Colorado With Kids & Teens

Discover Colorado With Kids & Teens – if you are traveling with kids and teens, then Colorado can be a perfect destination for your family vacation. Here are some of the things that you can do in Colorado with your children:

  • Visit the Children’s Museum of Denver – This museum is designed for children under the age of 10 and has many interactive exhibits that will keep your kids entertained.
  • Explore Garden of the Gods – A uniquely beautiful place for hiking, biking or horseback riding, this national landmark provides a stunning view from all directions.
  • Go snowmobiling in Estes Park – Snowmobiling is an exciting activity for both parents and children. You will experience a thrilling high-altitude ride against the picturesque backdrop of Estes Park.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride – Your kids will be thrilled to see the colorful and majestic hot air balloons floating through the sky. The scenic views across North America are just breathtaking!
  • Visit historic mining towns – Some towns in Colorado were once thriving mining communities, today they have been restored as wonderful tourist attractions that will provide insight into the state’s history.

Discover Colorado With Kids & Teens

Whether you’re looking for fun things to do during school breaks or summer vacations, there is something for everyone in Colorado! From outdoor adventures to indoor activities, Colorado offers endless possibilities.

Colorado has plenty of attractions that you can enjoy with your whole family, including beautiful national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. These parks offer amazing opportunities to learn about nature and wildlife while spending quality time together.

Moreover, if you want an unforgettable scenic drive with jaw-dropping landscapes then take a drive along the San Juan Skyway: The Million Dollar Highway stretches between Ouray and Durango, which are two of Colorado’s most beautiful destinations. The landscape is so dramatic that you and your kids will be breathless!

Colorado is a fantastic destination for families, thanks to the diverse range of activities available. You can explore the museums of Denver or ski in Aspen. Your kids can enjoy many different experiences such as horseback riding, biking, exploring caves, gold panning and much more.

Just as there are a lot of things to do with kids & teens in Colorado, there are also plenty of things to do in Colorado with Kidson a Road Trip! Rent an RV or set out on a scenic drive and uncover some more breathtaking views hidden in this state’s valleys and snow-capped mountains!

Colorado with kids and teens is exploding with exciting family fun.

There is so much interesting history, art and culture to be found in this beautiful Rockie Mountain US State. Let the landscape, culture, and richness of Colorado inspire you as you explore Colorado with kids and teens.

From mid-September to mid-October, the fall foliage in Colorado paints the Rocky Mountain landscape with brilliant golden hues. 

Your family will love everything from biking in the mountains to viewing the vibrant fall colors from a hot air balloon, Colorado offers many opportunities for you and your family to take in the scenery. 

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs, for example, is the highest railroad in the country. This mountain train transports passengers to the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Or you can climb aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in southwest Colorado. The train’s Fall Photo Special tour highlights premier southwestern spots for viewing fall foliage. 

More Outdoor Fun

For more outdoor fun, lace up your hiking boots and choose from 350 miles of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. You also can visit Boulder, where abundant hiking trails overlook the city.

In Grand County, you can trade your boots for bikes and take a spin under canopies of bright yellow aspens and through lush river valleys offering more than 600 miles of mapped trails.

You can saddle up and let horses lead the way in Telluride. The nearby San Juan Mountains create a spectacular backdrop for a guided tour.

Your family will be captivated by all of the history and exciting places to explore and learn about in Colorado. These Colorado family travel destinations are great places to add to an exciting family travel itinerary as you explore Colorado. If you are wanting to road trip or learn virtually, keep reading because you can explore and have awesome adventures in Colorado with kids and teens.

Things To Do In Colorado With Kids: Road Trip

If you are planning a family vacation in Colorado, going on a road trip is one of the best things to do with kids. There are many scenic routes that will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and along the Colorado River.

  1. Consider taking the Million Dollar Highway which takes you on a thrilling ride through the San Juan Mountains.
  2. Next, visit Glenwood Springs, where you can explore the natural hot springs and enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
  3. Finally, make sure to check out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where your kids can see over 800 animals including endangered species. The zoo also offers a unique opportunity to interact with some of these animals.

Going on a road trip with kids can be an exciting adventure. You can spend quality time together while exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories. Make sure to pack snacks and games for your little ones to keep them entertained during long drives.

Next up, we will talk about historical sites and parks that are perfect for families looking for educational experiences while still having fun in Colorado.

Are you ready to let your family experience everything Colorado has to offer?

If that’s the case, then a Colorado with kids & teens road trip is the perfect way to use the world as your classroom. Road-tripping allows you to explore and experience a place just like the locals. That’s the great thing about road trips (and GPS) you can wander wherever you like. Road-tripping can be such an adventure and a great way to learn.

In our family, road-tripping is a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do a field trip. A 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with activities and attractions. But if you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the great state of Colorado. Below are all the resources you need. Included are super fun ideas that will also super-size your child’s learning about US History, Geography, and famous people & places. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore the historical sites in Colorado!

Things To Do In Colorado With Kids: Historical Sites & Parks

If you’re planning a family trip to Colorado, exploring the state’s historical sites and parks can be an excellent way to spend quality time with your little ones. There are many places to visit that offer both entertainment and educational value. Here are some things to do in Colorado with kids: historical sites & parks.

  1. Rocky Mountain National Park: This is one of the most iconic national natural landmarks in the United States, and for kids who love nature, it’s an absolute paradise.
  2. Mesa Verde National Park: Take your kids on a journey through time and teach them about ancestral Puebloan culture dating back over 1,400 years.
  3. Great Sand Dunes National Park: The great sand dunes of southern Colorado cover more than 30 square miles, creating a great place for some fun activities like hiking, camping, sandboarding or even swimming.
  4. Garden of the Gods: This breathtaking natural attraction features soaring sandstone rock formations jutting up from the earth and surrounded by verdant greenery.
  5. Dinosaur Ridge: A location renowned for its fossils from dinosaurs that used to roam in this area over 10 million years ago.
  6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Another stunning national park that boasts towering black cliffs plunging into deep blue water down below.

Historical Sites And Parks In Colorado

Visiting historical sites and parks in Colorado with kids can prove to be a great learning experience where they not only gain knowledge but also have fun doing acts like hiking or playing around while surrounded by majestic landscapes.

Things To Do In Colorado With Kids: Museums & Galleries

If you are looking for things to do in Colorado with kids, museums, and galleries are great options to engage them in learning while having fun. Here are some of the best museums and galleries for children around Colorado:

  • Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – This museum offers interactive exhibits that allow children to explore science, history, and culture.
  • Space Museum – Located in Colorado Springs, this museum showcases space artifacts and interactive exhibits on the history of space exploration.
  • Colorado Railroad Museum – This museum in Golden highlights the importance of railroads in shaping Colorado’s history through its collection of classic steam engines and railcars.
  • Denver Art Museum – Children can expand their artistic knowledge through various hands-on activities and workshops at this museum.
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science – This museum is a fun way to learn about nature, science, and history through engaging exhibits that appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Engage With Interactive Exhibits

Museums offer a unique opportunity for children to expand their knowledge by engaging with interactive exhibits that bring history, science, or art to life. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is an excellent option as it features interactive exhibits that stimulate children’s curiosity while they learn. If your child is interested in learning about space exploration, Space Museum would be a great choice as it has several interactive exhibits that showcase various aspects of space exploration.

Similarly, if your child loves trains or railways then you must visit the Colorado Railroad Museum. It not only showcases the evolution of railways but also offers train rides where children can experience riding on historic steam engines. Denver Art Museum offers hands-on activities for kids where they can learn new techniques in art-making while having some creative fun.

Finally, if you want your kid to learn about nature or science then you can go to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This museum offers a plethora of interactive exhibits that engage children and adults alike in the learning process.

Looking for things to do in Colorado with Kids? The museums and galleries mentioned above are just a few examples of the many options available to educate and entertain your young ones. They’re perfect for a family day out!

Things To Do In Colorado With Kids: Gardens, Zoos & Aquariums

Colorado offers a rich opportunity to experience nature, outdoor venues, and hands-on learning. With so many fun and interactive places to visit, the whole family can enjoy these engaging experiences. Below are some of the best gardens, zoos, and aquariums worth exploring with kids while in Colorado.

  • Visit the Denver Zoo for an up-close look at various species from all around the world. Children can engage with different animals by feeding them or even petting them.
  • Let your little ones go on a scavenger hunt at Chatfield Farms where they can explore various animal habitats and learn about wildlife conservation.
  • If you’re looking for indoor entertainment, visit the Downtown Aquarium for a fascinating insight into marine life, including exhibits such as Mystic Mermaids and Shark Voyage.
  • Butterfly Pavilion is a haven for younger children who love insects – they can observe spiders and bees up close in a safe environment while basking in butterfly wonderland.
  • Mordecai Children’s Garden offers endless opportunities to interact with nature creatively – young children can dig in soil play stations, water whimsical features or hide behind tomato plants.
  • Dinosaur Ridge is an outdoor museum that shows visitors footprints and bones of huge dinosaurs that roamed Colorado millions of years ago. This place offers both educational fun for kids and adults alike.

Delightful Attractions

These delightful attractions offer families so much to love while exploring Colorado’s Gardens, Zoos & Aquariums. Visit The Denver Zoo and watch joyful giraffes frolicking as your child feeds them lettuce leaves or take them to Butterfly Pavilion where they learn about bees’ importance towards ecosystems. Your little ones will have oodles of fun while engrossed in different animal habits at Chatfield Farms. Meanwhile, at Dinosaur Ridge, children can indulge in the thrilling experience of fossil digging and learn all about Colorado’s fascinating prehistoric past.

Things To Do In Colorado With Kids: Add These To Your Itinerary

Looking for fun activities in Colorado that will keep your kids entertained? Look no further than these exciting attractions! Here are six places that you cannot miss when planning your family trip to Colorado:

  1. Red Rocks Park – Take a nature hike along the famous amphitheater, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This park is an ideal spot for a picnic or a day out with your family.
  2. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – Located in Cañon City, this amusement park has something for everyone – from ziplining and bungee jumping to carnival rides and shopping. The real highlight, though, is the eponymous suspension bridge that stretches across the gorge at 1,200 feet.
  3. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center – Kids of all ages will love this museum in Woodland Park that features dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibits, and life-size models of dinosaurs.
  4. Gateway Park Fun Center – This attraction is perfect for families with younger children who are looking for games and fun activities. With mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, and more to enjoy, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.
  5. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Voted as one of the top ten zoos in North America by USA Today’s 10 Best Travel Destinations list in 2019, this zoo boasts over 800 animals from around the world which are housed in natural settings amongst breathtaking mountain vistas.
  6. Denver Botanic Gardens – Located just east of downtown Denver (and open year-round), this 24-acre botanic garden has plenty of kid-friendly exhibits such as morse-code fountains filled with aquatic plants as well as educational programs.

So grab your sunscreen and hit these fantastic destinations for an unforgettable family vacation!

Colorado offers so many exciting things to do! Museums, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures throughout the state. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about Colorado.

Colorado Places To Visit For Travel-based & Virtual Learning

Make the most of learning about Colorado by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Colorado State Study pack into your pre-and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

Colorado – Use The World As Your Classroom

The Colorado State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about Colorado at home (virtually) or on the road.

Learn About Colorado’s Famous People

  • Willard Libby – Scientist
  • Chief Ouray – Native American Chief
  • The Ute Tribe – Native Americans

Learn About Colorado’s Famous Landmarks:

  • Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
  • Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
  • Dinosaur National Monument
  • Mesa Verde National Park 
  • Rocky Mountain National Park 
  • Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 4th grade to 12th grade.

The Colorado State Study has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course for middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.

Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle

No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!

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Use The World As Your Classroom

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